Restore balance

This editorial gives the impression that there is nothing wrong with the local manufacturing sector other than a shortage of skilled workers.

The technical schools and universities are already filled to capacity with each spot either being taken by Canadians or more recently Asian students willing to pay higher tuition fees. The shortage is because industry was forced to evolve rapidly into higher tech or face extinction due to unrealistic trading policies with China and India.

While hi-tech manufacturing provides opportunity, it is also very ripe for knock-off by lower cost competitors, particularly from China, who have the tools and manpower, albeit maybe not the product design creativity. There is little or no protection for those who originated the concept.

Overemphasis on only high-tech from a government policy perspective is a volatile economic situation to be in and ignores the essential underlying needs of a vibrant regional manufacturing economy. Such an economy is one that is sustainable and can provide ongoing work for all skill levels in our community.

There will always be a certain percentage of the population who cannot attend college or university because they simply are not wired to do it. We must not build a society where the only skill sets we push are for the highly skilled and trained while all other workers are subject to endless unemployment or welfare.

Restore balance

This editorial gives the impression that there is nothing wrong with the local manufacturing sector other than a shortage of skilled workers.

The technical schools and universities are already filled to capacity with each spot either being taken by Canadians or more recently Asian students willing to pay higher tuition fees. The shortage is because industry was forced to evolve rapidly into higher tech or face extinction due to unrealistic trading policies with China and India.

While hi-tech manufacturing provides opportunity, it is also very ripe for knock-off by lower cost competitors, particularly from China, who have the tools and manpower, albeit maybe not the product design creativity. There is little or no protection for those who originated the concept.

Overemphasis on only high-tech from a government policy perspective is a volatile economic situation to be in and ignores the essential underlying needs of a vibrant regional manufacturing economy. Such an economy is one that is sustainable and can provide ongoing work for all skill levels in our community.

There will always be a certain percentage of the population who cannot attend college or university because they simply are not wired to do it. We must not build a society where the only skill sets we push are for the highly skilled and trained while all other workers are subject to endless unemployment or welfare.

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Restore balance

This editorial gives the impression that there is nothing wrong with the local manufacturing sector other than a shortage of skilled workers.

The technical schools and universities are already filled to capacity with each spot either being taken by Canadians or more recently Asian students willing to pay higher tuition fees. The shortage is because industry was forced to evolve rapidly into higher tech or face extinction due to unrealistic trading policies with China and India.

While hi-tech manufacturing provides opportunity, it is also very ripe for knock-off by lower cost competitors, particularly from China, who have the tools and manpower, albeit maybe not the product design creativity. There is little or no protection for those who originated the concept.

Overemphasis on only high-tech from a government policy perspective is a volatile economic situation to be in and ignores the essential underlying needs of a vibrant regional manufacturing economy. Such an economy is one that is sustainable and can provide ongoing work for all skill levels in our community.

There will always be a certain percentage of the population who cannot attend college or university because they simply are not wired to do it. We must not build a society where the only skill sets we push are for the highly skilled and trained while all other workers are subject to endless unemployment or welfare.